A novice driver has been caught on camera motoring along a busy highway with his hands behind his head.

The man - who was said to have driven for a distance of up to 20 kilometres with his hands resting behind his head instead of on the steering wheel - was filmed by a stunned witness in Melbourne, Australia.

The rogue driver is thought to have been using his knees to steer his Mazda 3, which was fitted with P-plates to indicate a probationary licence holder.

On probation: The driver was caught on camera driving without his hands on the steering wheel

The footage of the stunt was sent to an Australian newspaper.

Officers from the Frankston Highway Patrol have now charged a 20-year-old man with reckless conduct likely to cause serious injury, driving in a dangerous manner, and failing to have full and proper control of motor vehicle.